By peter parker I define fiction as a Eureka moment!
Reading fiction brings the joy of discovery, being a part of a lore so grand and so beautiful that it doesn’t fit into the reality of sorts. So, you can draw a new parallel through books, novels, and stories, a whimsical world of intriguing elements like magic, alchemy, and mind-boggling science.
You often wonder where the authors get these ideas when reading Sci-Fi fantasy books. Is it spur of the moment or sheer brilliance of creativity? Is there a light bulb that turns sunny when they see something intriguing, or is it the legends they heard growing up?
For Marino Franchini, the author of The Promise of the Maltese Orphan, inspiration came from Giovanni Francesco Straparola’s The Facetious Nights of Straparola and the original masters: the grandfathers of the fantasy fiction genre. The works of these pioneering fantasy masters included: Ludwig Tieck’s Tales of the Phantasms, ETA Hoffmann’s The Golden Flower Pot and The Nutcracker, and Baron de la Motte Fouquet’s Undine and The Magic Ring.
These pioneers influenced George MacDonald, who in turn influenced C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who have penned some of the most iconic stories in literary history, creating a legacy that continues to influence writers today. The grandfathers of the fantasy genre sparked a chain reaction of creativity, with each author inspiring the next. A prime example of this literary lineage is George MacDonald’s Phantasies, which profoundly impacted C.S. Lewis’ writing.
Lewis himself attested to this influence, writing about his first encounter with Phantastes at age 16:
“That night, my imagination was, in a certain sense, baptised; the rest of me [,] not unnaturally, took longer.”
This sentiment proved these pioneering works’ influence on readers and future authors who have shaped the genre.
Marino Franchini drew inspiration from his predecessors’ vibrant and powerful fantasy styles in crafting his debut trilogy, The Promise of the Maltese Orphan. This unique series stands out for its distinctive plot, characters, and fantasy-verve, blending allegorical fantasy with the world of football (soccer). The first book, The Orphans on Top of the World, subtly introduces this fusion, while The Battle Royale at the Game of Games embraces it more fully, creating a familiar and refreshingly original world.
The trilogy’s innovative concept weaves together elements reminiscent of beloved classics. It delivers the adventurous spirit of Star Trek and Jules Verne’s novels, the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings, and the symbolic depth of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
Franchini sets his tale apart by grounding these fantastical elements in the world of football. In his series, the traditional battleground is transformed into a football pitch. The result is an intriguing concept that reimagines conflict and heroism through the lens of a universally beloved sport.
It all starts on the day of a crucial match when Maria faces the biggest shock of her life: her best friend and teammate, Alva, has abruptly left to marry an unknown and powerful man. Despite feeling let down and disappointed by Alva’s sudden departure, out of loyalty and concern for her friend, Maria makes the difficult decision to sacrifice her football aspirations.
Instead, she embarks on a perilous journey to the ends of the earth—or, more precisely, to a realm known as On Top of the World—in a determined effort to rescue Alva. With this decision, Maria’s world is soon filled with wonder following a series of miraculous events involving the enigmatic characters.
The Promise of the Maltese Orphan trilogy doesn’t just offer readers an escape into a fantastical world but also explores deeper themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. Maria’s journey reflects the human experience, where we must make sacrifices for the ones we love and confront challenges that test our strength and resolve. Franchini’s work demonstrates that while the allure of magic, fantasy, and adventure captivates us, it is the emotional core of the story—the relationships and personal stakes—that truly resonate with readers. Through Maria’s quest, Franchini invites readers to consider their own paths, the sacrifices they are willing to make, and the lengths they will go to for the people they care about.
This blend of high fantasy, allegory, and relatable human themes sets The Promise of the Maltese Orphan apart, making it more than just a typical fantasy series—it’s a reflection of life’s greatest struggles, victories, and the relationships that shape us. With its seamless blend of football and fantasy, Franchini’s trilogy appeals to a wide range of readers, making it a truly unique addition to the world of fiction.
Follow Maria as she sets out on a challenging path. Join her journey of courage and wonder as she fulfills her duty as a best friend.
Get your copy now. The book is available on Amazon.
